Apollo District Interpretive  Programs August 2023

PLEASE NOTE: all programs are subject to cancellation and/or rescheduling due to staff limitations,weather conditions, or other factors. Some programs require reservations, a minimum age, or a cost-recovery fee. Call 386-428-3384 ext. 0 for program information during operating hours (9:00 a.m. to5:00 p.m.) or http://www.nps.gov/cana. Entrance fees apply to all interpretive program participants. SATURDAY 5th – “PAINTING SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE” – 10:00 AM – … Continue reading Apollo District Interpretive  Programs August 2023

Experience the Enchanting Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Fire Luau in Daytona Beach

Did you know that the sights and sounds of the Pacific Islands are right here in Daytona Beach? While I had heard about Polynesian Fire when it was beachside, it was not until this past spring, after it moved Downtown to 180 Beach Street, that I was able to attend. I enjoyed it so much as a date with my husband that I went back … Continue reading Experience the Enchanting Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Fire Luau in Daytona Beach

Exploring Gold Head Branch State Park

Spring is in full swing and our family’s favorite place to be is the great outdoors. With 175 official state parks throughout Florida, there’s plenty to choose from to commune with nature. This past month, we chose one of the OGs – Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. In response to the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) … Continue reading Exploring Gold Head Branch State Park

Experience Florida’s Beaches in a New Way: Horseback Riding with Equestrian Adventures

Article by: Kelsey Walters // Photos by: Equestrian Adventures Picturesque beaches are Florida’s calling card – keeping tourists and locals alike flocking to the sandy shores all year long. Walking the beach is nothing new to most Floridians, however this past month, we decided to explore the shore a little differently… Equestrian Adventures of Florida offers a unique beach experience – all from horseback. These … Continue reading Experience Florida’s Beaches in a New Way: Horseback Riding with Equestrian Adventures

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Explore Volusia Monthly Programs

Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs each month. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures and volunteer and learn programs.  Registration is required; call (386) 736-5927.  Volusia County Environmental Management • 123 West Indiana Ave. Room 202DeLand, FL 32720 • (386-) 736-5927http://www.volusia.org/explorevolusia Upcoming events include: Volunteer & Learn – Holiday Beach Cleanup January 1, 10:00 am … Continue reading Explore Volusia Monthly Programs

Become a Volusia Explorer

Explore Volusia is starting a monthly challenge using the iNaturalist app where you can earn prizes! All you need to do is download the iNaturalist app, available on iPhone and Android devices, to get started. Visit the conservation land of the month, as designated on the app or online at Volusia.org. Using the app, find the hiking trail and follow the directions on the blue … Continue reading Become a Volusia Explorer

Rooting for Fall @ Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

It’s no secret that our family is composed of some hardcore animal lovers. We have a small wolf pack of dogs in our home, and Avery (and maybe me, too) wants to bring home just about any animal she meets. We spend our summers raising tadpoles, hatching butterfly cocoons and catching frogs and every bug under the Florida sun. We visit animal sanctuaries and experiences … Continue reading Rooting for Fall @ Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

Oh, my Gourd – It’s Fall!

Spooky Season is a big deal in the Walters family. We are dead serious about Halloween and all the creepy fun that comes with it. Florida may not get a traditional fall like they do up north, but we’re no strangers to the fun activities that come with Autumn. While its name may be deceiving, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is the place to be this … Continue reading Oh, my Gourd – It’s Fall!

De Leon Springs Sugar Mill Announces Big Changes

Photos and Text by Kelsey Walters On Monday night, August 8, 2022, The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park made the following announcement on their Facebook page: After 61 years, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill will be closing its screen doors. While it is unfortunate, the state has decided not to renew our contract and move forward with another concession in … Continue reading De Leon Springs Sugar Mill Announces Big Changes

An Elephant You’ll Never Forget: Two Tails Ranch 

Photos by Kelsey Walters  Florida is widely known for its ideal climate. Not only do tourists and retirees flock to our state in masses, its perfect ly warm and sunny weather gives way to an enormous range of wildlife. It is also why so many ranches and nature facilities are centered in Florida. Besides our world-famous beaches, the interior of the state is lined with … Continue reading An Elephant You’ll Never Forget: Two Tails Ranch